My 3 Favourite Healing Spices

Medicinal, healing spices. I wonder what would happen to the idea of healthy food, as we know it today, without these essential gifts of nature?

Not many plants can boost the same amount of benefits in such concentrated amounts of these little gems.

These three spices, in particular, are my favourite, simply because they are versatile and easy to use in most recipes.

The passion behind my words is based on tons of evidence and research that transform these plants into true medicine.

Here some of it.

TURMERIC

Turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, is an ancient spice that has been used in Asia and especially in India for 2000 years. It is a very popular spice rich in beneficial properties.

Turmeric, or curcumin, its main medicinal compound, is a great source of iron and manganese. It is also a good source of vitamin B6, dietary fiber, copper and potassium.

Anti inflammatory properties

The most powerful aspect of curcumin is its anti-inflammatory effect. Inflammation, as we know, is the basis of many conditions today, such as ulcerative colitis, arthritis, high cholesterol levels and chronic pain. The Oncogene newspaper published the results of a study that evaluated several anti-inflammatory compounds and found that aspirin and ibuprofen compared to curcumin are less effective, while turmeric is one of the most effective anti-inflammatory compounds known.

Benefits of digestion

In another study on mice, curcuma was also used for its soothing properties on digestion and protective effects on the stomach mucosa [Link to study].

Hormonal Benefits

Curcumin has also been associated with the inhibition of endometrial cell growth by modulating oestrogen secretion [Link to study].

GINGER

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Powerful anti-inflammatory

Ginger is one of the oldest and most widely used medicinal spices in the world.

This root is known not only for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, but it is also used to prevent colds, flu and nausea (if the fresh root flavour is too strong, you can try to use the powder instead of the fresh root).

Ginger contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds[Link to study] called gingeroli and exerts an analgesic action useful for those who suffer from joint and muscular pain. [link to study]

Natural antibacterial

This root also has strong antibacterial properties[Link to study] against metabolic acidosis.

In addition, as noted in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine study titled “Anti-inflammatory Ginger Antioxidant Effects in Health and Physical Activity: An Up-to-Date Review of Evidence”, it is cited:

“Ginger anticancer potential is well-documented [Link to study] and its functional components such as gingerols and shogaols are the precious ingredients that can prevent different types of cancer, angiogenesis and metastasis, induction of apoptosis and inhibition of progression of the cell cycle. It also improves cardiovascular disorders, diabetes mellitus and gastrointestinal health. ”

CINNAMON

Photo by Erwan Hesry on Unsplash

Cinnamon is an incredible spice that has been used medicinally for thousands of years.